Dubai: The India and Sri Lanka Under-19 teams were all set to clash in the semifinal of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. However, continuous rain in the city has cast a shadow over this crucial fixture, creating uncertainty over the match outcome.
According to tournament rules, if the match is abandoned due to rain or no result is possible, the team that topped their group stage will automatically advance to the final. In this scenario, India stands to benefit, as they finished first in Group A.
India’s Dominance in Group Stage
The Indian Under-19 team has showcased a commanding performance throughout the tournament. They began with a massive win over UAE, scoring 433 and defeating the hosts by 234 runs. Against arch-rivals Pakistan, India triumphed by 90 runs, followed by a crushing 315-run victory over Malaysia in their final group match. These consistent performances have positioned India as one of the strongest contenders for the title, boosting team confidence significantly.
Sri Lanka’s Journey to the Semifinal
Sri Lanka reached the semifinals from Group B after a challenging campaign. They defeated Nepal by 8 wickets and secured a thrilling 2-wicket win against Afghanistan. However, a 39-run loss to Bangladesh in their final group match left them second in the group, which could prove disadvantageous if rain prevents the match from being played.
Rain Rules Could Decide the Finalist
If Friday’s semifinal is abandoned, the tournament rules clearly state that the group-topping team progresses to the final. This means India would reach the final without even bowling a ball. Similarly, in the other semifinal, Bangladesh, as the top team in their group, would advance over Pakistan in case of rain. While players hope to win on the field, the current weather in Dubai casts serious doubts over a full game being possible.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.